Grants totaling $30M to help adults in prison work-release programs
transition to the workforce now available from US Labor Department

Grant application period is open to compete for second round of this funding

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of approximately $30 million through the second round of the Training to Work — Adult Reentry competitive grant program to help men and women participating in a state or local prison work-release programs gain the job skills necessary to succeed in an in-demand occupation upon reintegrating back into society.

"We are a nation that believes in second chances," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. "Investing in the job skills of individuals while they are in work-release programs helps them to find work and more quickly reconnect with and contribute to their communities."

The department will award approximately $30 million for 15 grants of up to $2 million each. Grants will be awarded to implementing partners that provide qualifying services in areas with high-poverty and high-crime rates, including communities that have a large proportion of returning citizens that typically experience higher rates of recidivism. Additional consideration will be given to applications who intend to serve areas designated as "Promise Zones" by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Successful applicants will be expected to include each of the following components in their proposals:

1. case management;
2. mentoring services;
3. educational opportunities;
4. training that leads to industry-recognized credentials;
5. workforce activities; and
6. follow-up services.

The department is committed to funding sustainable efforts that incorporate career pathway models into their programming so that the goals and funding streams of organizations that provide education, training, workforce development and supportive services to those formerly incarcerated can be aligned with each other. The career pathways initiative is an approach designed to link and coordinate education and training services in ways that enable workers to attain industry-recognized credentials, and ultimately, employment.

Any nonprofit organization that meets the requirements of the solicitation may apply. The Solicitation for Grant Applications, which includes information about how to apply, is available at http://www.grants.gov.

The department's Reintegration of Ex-Offenders program administers the Training to Work program, and additional information about the program's first-round of grantees is available.